Photo Gallery

Neighbors say the home where the 20-year-old woman was found has been vacant for the last couple of years and no one in this neighborhood actually recognized Runnels.

Around 1:15 a.m., a neighbor called 911 to report a garage fire in the 1100 block of Warman Avenue. Instead, when fire crews arrived they found neither the home nor the garage damaged, but found Runnels' body burned in the backyard.

Police originally characterized the case as a death investigation but later confirmed they were investigating the death as a homicide. Officers at the scene said the body was so badly damaged that they couldn’t determine if the victim was male or female.

"It’s very shocking. It's disturbing. I never would have thought something would happen this close to home," said neighbor Shanay Pope.

Shanay lives right next to the crime scene, but she doesn't know the victim. In fact, Shanay says the home has been vacant for at least a year and a half, so it’s not clear how or why Runnels ended up on the property.

The front door of that home had to be broken down after police obtained a warrant to search the property, but investigators didn't find anything inside.

Runnels mother says her daughter had recently been hanging out with a dangerous crowd and believes the death is somehow drug related.

Police will not confirm any motive and wouldn't say if Runnels was killed before the fire was set.

As for neighbors, they admit they're on edge until they know who may be responsible for the death.

"It’s a lot to think about because I have a 12-year-old daughter and she is out here riding her bike alone," said Pope. "I thought the block was safe and it’s really not that safe I guess."

So far no arrests have been made in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.